Developer Carrying Member Reverse Rotation for Toner Recovery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrophotographic image forming apparatuses face issues with toner scattering from the developing container, leading to fouling of internal components and inefficient image formation.
Innovation Solution
An image forming apparatus with a toner trapping mechanism including a duct, filter, and vibration generating unit, combined with a control system that enables a scattered-toner recovery mode to recover toner by reversing the rotation of the developer carrying member and applying a potential difference, effectively moving toner from the filter to the image bearing member for cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the developer conveying member stirs and conveys the developer in the developing container, then the toner is evenly distributed and supplied to the image bearing member, but the toner scatters from the developing container and fouls the apparatus interior
Solution Approach 1:
A duct is introduced as an intermediary component to guide and control the flow of air and toner particles. The duct directs air flow from the developing container through a filter, preventing uncontrolled toner scattering while maintaining the developer circulation function
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful air current carrying scattered toner is extracted from the developing container through the duct and filter system. This separates the useful developer circulation from the harmful toner-laden air flow, allowing independent control of each
2Loss of substance
If a filter is used to trap scattered toner, then toner recovery is improved, but the filter becomes clogged and requires cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration generating unit applies periodic vibrations to the filter at regular intervals during operation. This periodic action prevents toner accumulation and clogging by continuously dislodging trapped particles, eliminating the need for manual filter cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The filter performs self-cleaning through vibration-induced toner discharge. The system automatically maintains filter functionality without external intervention, as the vibration generating unit continuously prevents clogging by dislodging accumulated toner
3Productivity
If the developer carrying member rotates to supply toner, then image formation continues, but scattered toner adheres to the developer carrying member and is difficult to recover
Solution Approach 1:
The developer carrying member rotates in reverse direction to discharge adhered toner back toward the developing container. This inversion of rotation direction enables automatic toner recovery without stopping image formation, as the reverse rotation periodically returns scattered toner to the developer reservoir
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution significantly enhances toner recovery efficiency, reducing toner scattering and maintaining apparatus cleanliness, with a recovery efficiency of 90% compared to 62% in comparative examples.
Implementation Method 1
The vibration generating unit is configured to vibrate the filter
Implementation Method 2
causing, by the control section, the charging unit and the voltage application section to cause a potential difference in a direction in which the toner is moved from the developer carrying member to the image bearing member
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is an image forming apparatus that is capable of carrying out a scattered-toner recovery mode in which, while image formation is prevented from being performed, scattered toner that has dropped from a filter and adhered to an outer peripheral surface of a developer carrying member is recovered by a cleaning unit through intermediation of an image bearing member. A fixed magnet of the developer carrying member has a first pole that faces the image bearing member, a second pole that faces the filter, and an intermediate pole between the first pole and the second pole.